Okay, so I'm finally tackling the garage heating project (yay, winter's coming 🙄). I'm stuck deciding between flexible ducting and rigid pipes for venting. Flexible seems easier to install, but rigid looks sturdier long-term...anyone tried both? Preferences or horror stories welcome, lol.
I went with flexible ducts last winter thinking it'd save me some hassle...and yeah, installation was a breeze. But honestly, they're already looking kinda beat up after just one season—got a couple dents and kinks from moving stuff around the garage. If I had to do it again, I'd probably bite the bullet and go rigid. Seems like less headache down the road, even if it's more upfront work.
"Seems like less headache down the road, even if it's more upfront work."
Yeah, totally agree with you there. Flexible ducts are tempting because they're quick and easy, but honestly, they just don't hold up well in spaces where you're constantly moving stuff around. I've seen a few installs where the flex duct got pinched or kinked pretty badly, and it really messes with airflow efficiency. Plus, if you're running a garage heater, proper venting is crucial—not something you wanna compromise on.
Rigid pipe might be a bit more of a pain initially (cutting, fitting, sealing joints...), but once it's in place, it's solid. You won't have to worry about accidentally crushing it with a ladder or toolbox. Also, rigid ducts tend to collect less dust and debris inside because they're smoother, so maintenance-wise they're easier to keep clean over time.
I get why people go flexible at first—been there myself—but after seeing how quickly they degrade, rigid definitely seems worth the extra effort.
Rigid ducts are definitely the way to go. I tried flexible ducts in my garage a few years back, and after accidentally squishing one with a storage bin, airflow was never the same.
but trust me, worth it long-term."Rigid pipe might be a bit more of a pain initially..."
I've been researching this exact topic recently since I'm preparing to install a heater in my own garage before winter hits. The points made about rigid ducts being sturdier certainly align with what I've found. Flexible ducting initially seemed attractive due to ease of installation and cost-effectiveness, but after reading multiple accounts similar to the one above—especially regarding accidental damage and reduced airflow over time—rigid piping seems like a more reliable long-term solution.
Another consideration that came up during my research is the potential for condensation buildup. Apparently, rigid ducts are less prone to moisture accumulation because they're smoother internally and easier to insulate effectively. Flexible ducts, from what I gather, can sometimes trap moisture in their corrugations, leading to mold or corrosion issues down the line.
Given these factors, I'm leaning strongly toward rigid pipes despite the extra upfront effort. It seems worthwhile to invest a bit more time initially than deal with potential maintenance headaches later on.
